Having risen through the ranks of junior tennis James Connelly will captain the side which includes three making their Games debut on the men’s team who he thinks could produce some shock results.
Just two ladies will make the trip due to unavailability so they can expect a busy time on the courts in the Isle of Wight but there is no doubting they will give it their all.
Having come close to the medals in previous years those making a return to the Games have their eyes on the prize this time around.
The team
Eva Moynihan (19): Law student at Exeter University. Ladies’ singles, doubles and team event. Going to her second Games and hoping to get a medal after finishing fourth previously. Former Jeux des Iles competitor and has also represented the Channel Islands in county events.
Did you know? Eva can speed-read.
Sporting idol: Brian O’Driscoll.
Katie Gouyette (20): Liverpool University student. Ladies’ singles, doubles and team event. Going to her third Games having won doubles bronze in Rhodes 2007. Finished fourth in the Aland 2009 team event and would like to win a medal in either the individual or team competitions.
Did you know? Katie was at the Sergi Bruguera Tennis Academy in Spain and can speak fluent Spanish.
Sporting idol: Roger Federer.
James Connolly (20): Student at Florida Gulf Coast University. Team captain and competing in the men’s singles, doubles and team events. Last year’s Island men’s champion. Going to his second Games after Aland two years’ ago, where he reached the singles quarter-finals. Hoping to win his first medal while meeting new people and enjoying the different cultural experience.
Did you know? James has been a Jersey and Channel Islands champion in all age groups.
Sporting idol: Pete Sampras.
Daniel Harrison (17): Victoria College student. Men’s singles, doubles and team events. Will be making his Games debut and hoping to finish in a medal position. Takes County Cup experience with him and has won local tournaments plus a couple in the UK.
Did you know? Daniel played in the Jeux des Iles in 2009 and 2010.
Sporting idol: Roger Federer.
Scott Weaver (17): Highlands College student. Men’s singles, doubles and team events. The Isle of Wight will be his first Island Games and he hopes to play the best that he can.
Did you know? Scott has finished runner-up in the Jersey Junior Closed tournament as an under-18.
Sporting idol: Roger Federer.
Stephen Le Cornu (17): Victoria College student. Men’s singles, doubles and team events. Going to his first Games and aiming for a team medal. Has represented the Channel Islands in County Cup tennis teams at under-14 and U18 levels.
Did you know? Stephen represented Jersey at the Jeux des Isles in Majorca 2009.
Sporting idol: Roger Federer.
SCHEDULE
Venues: Ryde Lawn Tennis Club (Ladies); Ryde Mead Tennis Club (Men).
Sunday 26 June: Preliminary team competition.
Monday 27 June: Team finals and preliminary singles.
Tuesday 28 June – Thursday 30 June: Singles and doubles.
Friday 1 July: Singles and doubles finals.
